In the days leading up to his passing, a 12-year-old boy under the care of two women in Burlington, Ontario, was reportedly suffering from “severe malnutrition” and weighed less than he did at the age of 6, as per Dr. Emma Cory, a pediatrician called as an expert witness by the Crown during the trial of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber. The two women, who have denied charges of first-degree murder, were in the process of adopting the boy, known as L.L., and his younger brother, identified in court as J.L., both of whom are Indigenous and protected under a publication ban.
The trial, overseen by Justice Clayton Conlan in Superior Court in Milton, alleges that Cooney and Hamber mistreated the boys by confining L.L. for a significant portion of his final year, surveilling them with cameras, restricting their food intake, and enforcing exercise routines. The defense has raised concerns about the lack of support from the Children’s Aid Society and L.L.’s behavioral challenges, suggesting the possibility of an eating disorder or other food-related issues.
Dr. Cory, a specialist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, reviewed L.L.’s medical records leading up to his demise on December 21, 2022. She highlighted significant weight loss and stunted growth, noting that L.L. appeared healthy before residing with Cooney and Hamber in 2017. The court was presented with evidence indicating L.L.’s deteriorating physical condition, with his family doctor expressing concerns about his weight loss and recommending an assessment for a potential eating disorder.
While the exact cause of L.L.’s death remains undetermined in court, Dr. Cory emphasized the critical implications of severe malnutrition, stating that death is the worst possible outcome for children in such conditions. The prosecution alleges that Cooney and Hamber were aware of L.L.’s declining health, as reflected in recovered text messages discussing his alarming physical state and their failure to seek immediate medical assistance.
On the tragic night of his passing, L.L. was found in a dire state by first responders, dressed in a wetsuit and exhibiting signs of severe malnourishment. Despite efforts to provide makeshift care, including adjusting room temperature and clothing, L.L. succumbed to his condition in the hospital shortly thereafter. The trial continues to unfold, shedding light on the harrowing circumstances surrounding L.L.’s untimely death.